Watermark Starting Phase Modulation for Higher Data Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional watermarking techniques are limited in information capacity due to the reliance on frequency and amplitude modulation, which can be perceptible and difficult to detect, and do not effectively utilize phase modulation for additional information encoding.
Innovation Solution
Modulating the starting phase value of watermark components to encode additional information, while maintaining imperceptibility and compatibility with existing decoders, by analyzing phase values at arbitrary sample periods and determining starting phase through phase convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional watermarking techniques are used, then media identification is achieved, but information capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces phase modulation as a new dimension for watermark encoding, in addition to existing frequency and amplitude modulation. By utilizing the phase characteristic of media signals, the system can embed additional information without affecting the perceptual quality of the media, thus increasing information capacity while maintaining reliable media identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameter from traditional frequency and amplitude to include phase characteristics. By modulating the phase of watermarks and analyzing instantaneous phase values, the system can convey additional information bits, thereby increasing information capacity while maintaining the reliability of media identification through phase-based encoding.
2Loss of information
If additional information is conveyed through frequency and amplitude ranges, then information capacity increases, but perceptibility to humans increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase dimension of media signals, which is orthogonal to frequency and amplitude dimensions. By encoding information in the phase characteristic, the system can increase information capacity without affecting the frequency and amplitude ranges that are perceptible to humans, thus adding information while maintaining imperceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding approach by utilizing phase modulation instead of modifying frequency and amplitude ranges. This parameter change allows information to be embedded in the phase domain, which does not impact human perception, thereby increasing information capacity without making the watermark perceptible to listeners.
3Loss of information
If phase characteristic is utilized for watermark encoding, then information density increases, but decoding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism in the decoding process by analyzing instantaneous phase values and comparing them against expected phase patterns. This feedback-based approach enables the decoder to identify and extract phase-modulated information systematically, managing the added complexity through structured analysis of phase characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex signal processing operations with phase-domain analysis. Instead of processing frequency and amplitude components, the system directly analyzes phase characteristics and instantaneous phase values, simplifying the overall decoding process while maintaining high information density through phase-based encoding.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing decoding systems are maintained for compatibility, then backwards compatibility is achieved, but new information capacity cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the watermark encoding system to be multi-functional, where the same watermark components can be decoded by both legacy systems (using frequency and amplitude) and enhanced systems (adding phase analysis). This universality allows the system to maintain backwards compatibility while enabling new information capacity through optional phase-based encoding and decoding.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances watermark information density without affecting media perception, enabling additional data transmission and compatibility with existing decoding systems.
Implementation Method 1
starting phase modulation to encode watermarks by assigning pre-determined starting phase values to watermark components
Implementation Method 2
extraction of additional information through analysis of instantaneous phase values
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for watermarking using starting phase modulation. An example method disclosed herein includes calculating a first instantaneous phase value for a first watermark component of a watermarked media signal at a first time, calculating a second instantaneous phase value for a second watermark component, determining a first sum of differences for the first and second instantaneous phase values relative to a first possible starting phase value, determining a second sum of differences for the first and second instantaneous phase values relative to a second possible starting phase value, selecting a corresponding one of the first possible starting phase value or the second possible starting phase value to be a starting phase value, decoding a bit value corresponding to the starting phase value, determining a payload based on the bit value and a symbol represented by watermark components.